Daily tips for April 19

AFL (rd 4) for April 19

Sydney v Geelong, SCG, Friday, April 19, 7.50pm

There are currently five teams yet to taste defeat in 2013 and two of them will come face-to-face in a huge Friday night clash at the SCG. This will be a rare Friday night game at the SCG, just the third at the ground since 2005.

Geelong has an excellent recent record against the Swans, winning nine straight matches between 2006-2011. But the Swans have won two of the past three, including a drought-breaking triumph in Geelong in round 23, 2011.

Much has been made of the Cats’ issues at stoppages in the opening three rounds (in which they’ve also trailed before clawing back to win). Sydney is likely to again dominate that category, but we fancy Geelong’s overall strength across the park to at least keep this one close.

Suggested bet: Both sides -15.5 (three units) LOSE (103-124)

Super 15 (week 10) for April 19

Wellington Hurricanes v Western Force, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, NZ, Friday, April 19, 7.35pm

The Hurricanes are coming off a loss to the Blues and will be looking to get straight back to winning ways as last week's loss ended a four match winning streak. The Force will go into the match filled with confidence after they beat the Crusaders last week but they have made a number of changes for this week.

The Crusaders may be going through a rough patch on attack but we expect they’ll bounce back to the form they showed when they put 41 points on the Waratahs here at the Cake Tin. This could well be a scrappy game with rain forecast but the Canes will be too good despite the conditions and should cover the line comfortably.

Suggested bet: Hurricanes -12.5 (three units) LOSE (22-16)

Racing for April 19

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Ballina (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Scone (NSW)

Harness racing: Bathurst (NSW), Melton (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Wagga Wagga (NSW), Launceston (Tas), Globe Derby (SA), Gloucester Park (WA)
Greyhound racing: Bendigo (Vic), Casino (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Mt Gambier (SA), Wentworth Park (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Winnellie Park (NT), The Gardens (NSW)

Weather looks fine and cool for today’s meeting on the synthetic track at Geelong where they’ll be racing on a good (3). We like the look on one in the second of the day – the Market Square Shopping Centre Maiden Plate over 1900 metres.

The Mark Kavanagh-trained #5 Jumeirah Palace is making his fourth start. This son of Zabeel showed genuine improvement when running on strongly to finish fourth over 1400 metres at Werribee on April 6. He looks suited to stepping up to 1900 metres here, gets the services of top rider Michael Rodd and faces moderate opposition in this race.

Suggested bet: Geelong R2 #5 Jumeirah Palace (win three units) 1st $3.40

Other racing tips for April 19

Ballina R1 #4 Dienekes (win) 1st $1.70

Ipswich R5 #4 Omission (E/W) LOSE U/P

Harness racing tip: Melton R5 #4 Jaccka Clive (win) 1st $1.40

Greyhound racing tip: The Gardens R8 #1 McSlok (win) 1st $3.80

NHL for April 19

Florida Panthers @ New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, Friday, April 19, 9am

Inconsistency has been the hallmark of the New York Rangers’ season – one that could end without a playoff appearance if they can’t conquer the problem over the last six games.

The Rangers look to bounce back from a lacklustre loss to the Flyers when they continue a season-closing stretch against teams out of playoff position by hosting the Florida Panthers.

With the streaking Jets hosting the Hurricanes, the Rangers could find themselves out of playoff position by the end of the night if they don’t take advantage of the struggling Panthers (13-23-6). We’re tipping the Rangers will respond, and in some fashion.

Suggested bet: Rangers -1.5 (three units) WIN (1-6)

Others tips

Islanders WIN @ Maple Leafs WIN (5-3)

Capitals WIN @ Senators LOSE (1-3)

Canucks @ Stars WIN WIN (1-5)

MLB for April 19

Boston Red Sox @ Cleveland Indians, Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH, Friday, April 19, 9.05am

Boston has won five games in a row, outscoring foes by a 23-8 margin, which includes a 6-3 victory over Cleveland as road underdogs. The Red Sox are now aiming for their first six-game winning streak since April 23-28 of last season.

Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (2-0, 1.42 ERA) has led the club to a victory in all three of his starts this season while Indians starting pitcher Zach McAllister (1-1, 2.19 ERA) is coming off a 9-4 home victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Indians manager Terry Francona is very familiar with Lester due to his previous time in Boston, which should provide his hitters a solid scouting report and result in plenty of runs.

Suggested bet: Game total +8 (three units) WIN (6-3)

Others tips

Tigers @ Mariners -7 WIN (0-2)

White Sox @ Blue Jays WIN WIN (1-3)

Cardinals @ Phillies -7 PUSH (4-3)